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There are neighbors and then there are neighbors...

I was in heaven today. And by heaven I mean back in my old neighborhood with all my old neighbors. Yes, some of them are old but that's not what I meant. I mean they were my neighbors four years ago before we moved.

It was like coming home today, in a prodigal-son sort of way. It was the neighborhood barbecue/picnic and we were invited as 'special guests'. Everyone hugged us to death and then we sat around eating and drinking and talking. The talk turned to how to get us back into the neighborhood. Someone said we should make the owner of our old home an offer. Someone else, who isn't on friendly terms with said house owner, "Kill her"

While I think that sentiment isn't what I was going for, I'm sure it was said in jest. At least I hope it was.

At any rate, it was wonderful to be there and to feel so wanted.

One lady neighbor said to me: "Look, I've put on 15 lbs since you've been gone"


I held out my arms and said, "Look, I've put back all that weight I lost since I've been gone."


She said, "Pam, you are so beautiful, everyone here loves you. It doesn't matter one bit. Look at you, look at your daughter Stephanie. She's a knockout. Where do you think she got her looks? You're beautiful!"


I burst into tears. No, really. I did. I hate that I've gone back to where I was before and it's so hard to like myself that I gave up even trying. Self-esteem issues abound with me. I know that how I feel about myself reflects in everything I do----though I try not to let it happen.

At any rate, it was a good day despite the wind and the rain. Allison came back from girl's camp all dirty and tired and worn out physically and emotionally.

I got some pictures of my Dad playing Uno with Ashley Rose. So very cute. I had to take them with my cell phone tho because our camera has gone missing. I never found it as I was packing the house up so I fear it's truly gone for good. I loved that camera..... sigh.

Ok, it's off to bed for now. Church comes early in the morning and then Lance has to go to work again.

Oh, and the best part of today? My sister's dog is back with my sister! Three calm dogs are much easier to live with than three calm dogs and one wild puppy-dog.

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